Unit Charge Nurse, Med/Surg, 3SW, 7p-7:30a

Description JOB DESCRIPTION: Plans, coordinates and directs the daily operations of a specific shift on a clinical unit. Supervises staff and facilitates communication with physicians and internal administrators to provide optimal patient and family-centered care. Is recognized as a change agent and routinely leads efforts to strengthen organizational systems that support the mission, vision, and values of the department. Adept at creative problem-solving, negotiating conflict, and collaborating with others. Demonstrates insight, judgment, and clinically sound risk-taking. Role models expert communication skills to colleagues through example. Demonstrates foresight regarding the impact of nursing care on patient outcomes based on intuition and experience. Is recognized as an expert clinician and a leader within their area of specialty. Completes employee conference, risk management and unit management reports within specified time frames. Identifies the need for revision and evaluates the effectiveness of operational forms. Provides and coordinates the resources needed within the unit to provide optimal patient outcomes. Role models time management skills through example. Ensures compliance and adherence with stated policies and procedures for the unit. Remains informed of innovative clinical trends through bench marking and evidence based practice. Functions as charge nurse. Role models delegation skills to colleagues and assist them in effective delegation utilizing the Synergy model for care. Considered an expert and is viewed as a formal leader. Mentors other Registered Nurses to the role and functions of Charge Nurse. Evaluates the use of resources and cost containment activities. Leads and coordinates team behavior between staff members and actively fosters the development of leadership skills in others. Exhibits desire to hear and understand another's point of view. Demonstrates and role models effective communication skills. Takes a leadership role in building and maintaining an environment which fosters open and candid communication. Serves as an arbitrator in resolution of conflicts between nursing staff. Takes appropriate action to correct unacceptable communication/behavior as needed. Takes appropriate action to counsel employees (i.e., verbal warnings for attendance & performance issues) Coordinates unit staffing to meet the needs of the department. Identifies one managerial problem and initiates test of change. Actively participates in preparation of regulatory agency reviews. Assists in administrative activities such as budget planning, identifying means of cost containment, coordinating unit staffing schedules, and ensuring communication regarding areas of concern to the Unit Director. Provides direction and guidance to less experienced staff concerning policies, scheduling, assignments, organizational skills and daily operations. Evaluates the impact of policies on daily operations. Supports administrative decisions and facilitates daily operational issues with the staff. Challenges and shapes systems on the unit and hospital wide to achieve best possible outcomes. Aware of and supports units and colleagues needs through supportive and non-judgmental behaviors. Actively empowers and advocates for nurses. Implements innovative approaches to meet the needs of patients and families. Identifies, recognizes and responds to the needs of unit staff to ensure that staff has the resources and tools available to meet patient and family needs. Takes appropriate action to address customer concerns and complaints (i.e., appropriate follow-up with Unit Director and risk management). Addresses escalated patient issues and refers issues to Unit Director or Patient Advocate when unable to resolve. Monitors issues and their resolution. Identifies, initiates, and collaborates to provide needed educational programs. Develops management/ leadership focused in-service (e.g., time management, team building, conflict resolution, budget, leadership activities). Demonstrates current evidence-based practice and disseminates information. Ensures compliance with educational requirements through scheduling, planning, and support. Questions management practice as it relates to research. Completes performance reviews with Unit Director input as appropriate. Incorporates Synergy model for care in nurse/patient assignments. Must meet all Clinical Nurse I Employee Commitments. Achieves points and contact hours as defined in the PLAN (clinical lattice) point system to maintain position.

MINIMUM Qualifications: Bachelor's degree. Three years experience as an RN with a minimum of three years of experience in the area of concentration. Currently licensed as a Registered Nurse in the state of Georgia. Certification preferred. Management experience preferred. BLS, ACLS, and Healthcare Provider certifications required.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: (Medium-Heavy) 36-75 lbs, 0-33% of the work day (occasionally); 20-35 lbs, 34-66% of the workday; (frequently); 10-20 lbs, 67-100% of the workday (constantly); Lifting 75 lbs max; Carrying of objects up to 35 lbs; Occasional to frequent standing & walking; Occasional sitting; Close eye work (computers, typing, reading, writing); Physical demands may vary depending on assigned work area and work tasks.